Since 2003, Ingen Software has used the SAP SQL Anywhere relational database management system because it can be easily scaled to meet client needs. However, as with other software and OS vendors, older versions of SAP SQL Anywhere become unsupported, and new features are only added to newer, supported versions. When this happens, a database rebuild is required to continue providing our customers with the best possible database support. This article will explain the requirements and steps for completing a database rebuild.
Note:
- This process should be completed by IT personnel.
- OASIS Support can assist with the rebuild process at no cost as it is covered as standard support under the Maintenance & Support contract. It is highly recommended that you contact OASIS Support before attempting this process.
Rebuild Requirements
There are three requirements before a rebuild can be completed.
1. Scheduled Downtime
You must schedule sufficient downtime to complete the rebuild process. Users cannot access OASIS during this time, as data must be exported and re-imported into a new database file.
The amount of downtime depends on database size and the hardware specifications of the machine acting as the server. Typically, rebuilds are scheduled for Friday afternoon to allow them to process over the weekend during non-working hours. OASIS Support can assist in estimating the amount of downtime required to complete the rebuild.
2. A Validated OASIS Backup
You must have a valid OASIS backup. Validating the OASIS backup ensures the integrity of the OASIS database tables before initiating the rebuild process. Read our Backups & The OASIS Database help article to learn more about OASIS backups.
3. Sufficient Hard Drive Space
You must have sufficient hard drive space available in a single location. At a minimum, two times the current database size is required. For example, if your database is 100GB, you will need 200GB in free space to perform the rebuild. This need is temporary, and the drive space can be reclaimed after rebuilding.
Note: The process may be performed using a network or USB-connected drive if needed. However, this can result in a slower rebuild than using internal storage.
Completing the Rebuild
Once the requirements have been met, the rebuild is completed in four steps.
Step 1. Set Up the File Directories
The rebuild process begins with setting up the directories for the original and rebuilt databases. The existing database service must be stopped before moving the original database.
1. On the machine hosting the database, search for and open ASA Configuration.
2. The Adaptive Server Anywhere window will appear.
3. Click Stop to stop the database service.
4. A pop-up will appear, indicating the service was stopped successfully. If you receive an error message, please contact OASIS Support at 501-843-6750.
5. With the database service stopped, there are two methods for setting up the directories:
- Move the current database file to the temporary added drive space and then rebuild it to the original directory.
- Direct the new database file to be built in the temporary added drive space, then move the rebuilt file to the original directory once complete.
Regardless of the method, you will need to label the directories to differentiate between the original and rebuilt databases.
6. Rename the original directory containing the original database "OASIS_old"
7. Create a new directory named "OASIS" for the rebuilt database.
Step 2. Uninstall and Reinstall the OASIS Server
Next, you will need to uninstall and reinstall the server version of OASIS.
1. Close ASA Configuration.
2. Uninstall OASIS.
3. Delete the library file located in the "C:\Users\[username]\.oasis\Lib" directory.
4. Reinstall the server version of OASIS.
Step 3. Start the Rebuild
After the server version of OASIS has been reinstalled and the library file has been deleted, you can initiate the rebuild using the Rebuild Database tool.
1. Search for ASA Configuration.
2. Click Run as administrator.
3. The Adaptive Server Anywhere window will appear.
4. Click Tools, then select Rebuild Database.
5. The Select database to rebuild window will appear.
6. Select the existing oasis.db file in the "OASIS_old" directory.
7. Click Open.
8. The Select output directory window will appear.
9. Locate the new OASIS directory.
10. Click Open.
11. The Rebuilding Database window will appear. The rebuild process starts by creating a blank database in the new OASIS directory and then unloading the structure and data of the existing database into the new database.
12. Once completed, the window should display "Completed normally (rc= 0)."
Note: If the window displays "ABNORMAL END RC=#," the rebuild has failed. For further assistance, contact OASIS Support by calling 501-843-6750 and providing the RC #.
13. Click Close.
Step 4. Set Up the New Database Service
Lastly, you'll need to create a new service for the rebuilt database. If an error message occurs during this process, please contact OASIS Support.
1. Launch ASA Configuration.
2. The Adaptive Server Anywhere window will appear.
3. Click Remove on the existing database service.
4. Click File, then select New Service.
5. The Create new ASA Service window will appear. Modify the following:
- Select the Database File field and locate the new OASIS directory containing the rebuilt database
- Uncheck Create Database
Unless directed otherwise by OASIS Support, all other fields should remain the default settings.
6. Click OK.
7. A Message window will appear indicating the service was created successfully.
8. In the Adaptive Server Anywhere window, click Start to start the new service.
9. A pop-up window will appear, indicating the service has been started successfully.
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